Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: It's All Reborn's Fault

Dino sighed as he rowed away from the sinking small yaht he's sailed to Malta to pick up some luxury goods with the intent to smuggle them back into Sicily. He'd made good time to malta, had the goods loaded onto his ship and departed ahead of schedule. Which was probably why he was now on a life raft rowing for a small island in the distance, if he had run on schedule, the leak would have trapped him in Malta instead of the open water.

Thankfully he knew there had to be a source of fresh water on the un-named island, as a small herd of feral horses was reported to live there. He had about a week and a half worth of MREs, bless Romario's paranoid soul. He also had his emergency beacon running on a flame coded network. Hopefully it wouldn't take long to be picked up.

He beached the raft on the shore and tugged it clear of the tideline. The emergency kit had a small shelter that he could set up, and hoped the batteries in the satellite phone were charged up. He was grumbling to himself; certain this was somehow his Spartan Tutor's doing when a flash of movement caught his eye. He kept his movements steady and reached for the whip on his hip as he locked eyes with a nude young teen standing next to magnificent bay Sicilliano Indigeno.

He took in tanned figure, with his tangled long hair and reached out gently with his flames, "Hello."

The mare snorted and nudged the boy back a step. The boy nickered to the mare and turned away. Dino froze as he took in a set of nasty scars over the boy's back. This wasn't some teen camping and exploring on a remote island or playing a prank. This was someone who had been hurt, and badly. Someone who moved and watched him with wary eyes just as the mare did.

He kept his movements smooth and easy as he finished setting up his shelter and kept his flames soothing as he sat tailor style on the ground. He pretended to ignore the teen as he set up the beacon and turned on the sat phone.

~Boss, we received notification that the Trojan Horse went down.~

"There was a hull rupture. I'm fine and I made it with the shipment to an island. Make arrangements for pickup of the merchandise before making it public that Conte Cavallone ran into a mishap while pleasure sailing."

~How are you for supplies?~

"I have enough MREs for at least a week. I'm on the pony island Captain Superbi was talking about last month."

~Anything else I need to know Boss?~

"I might be bringing home a new friend."

~Boss, no.~

"I make no promises Romario. Get one of the unmarked boats to pick up the merchandise. Then we can see about having you come fetch me."

~Stay safe Boss. I'll call back in the morning to check in and coordinate the retrieval and your 'rescue'.~

"Best if we don't make it public until after I'm home."

~Understood.~

During the conversation the teen had crept closer, much to the disapproval of the mare. She followed the boy slowly, her ears pinned back in warning. Dino pretended to ignore both, and set about building a small campfire to warm his meal. He would look for a source of fresh water in the morning. In the worst case, he knew how to build a solar still to gather water for himself. Who knew Reborn's most brutal survival lessons would actually come in handy?

When he next spoke, he still didn't look at the duo that was slowly moving close, "Do you speak Italian little one?"

The boy blew out a remarkably horsey snort and skittered back. When Dino made no move to try and touch him, the boy edged closer.

"I'll take that as a no then."

He set a couple slices of dried apple on a rock, then slowly scooted away, leaving the pair plenty of room to decide if they wanted to chance the treat.

Tsuna pressed against Kaasan as she surveyed the stranger sitting on the ground. She was ready to trample the outsider at the first sign of threat, but he spoke calmly, his movements small and slow. Other than speaking, and he did have a nice voice, he made no move to acknowledge them.

The scent of the sweet treat sitting on the stone drew the horse and boy. Tsuna judged the distance and focused on the warmth in his chest and head. There was no warning of danger. So he snatched the dried fruit up and danced back to the shelter of the blood red and coal black form of his dam.

He sniffed the treat, checking for anything off before offering Kaasan the first slice. She lipped the slice up from his flat palm and chewed for a few moments. Her gentle nudge with her nose approval for him to take the fruit.

Dino smiled to himself as the pair consumed the dried fruit. As he looked closer, he thought he caught a trace of eastern heritage. Taking a chance, in Japanese he said, "My name is Dino. Do you have a name?"

Tsuna pulled back as the word registered. It had been so long since he'd heard people words. He pressed closer to Kaasan and shivered, people words meant cruelty.

Kaasan, for her part, eyed the golden outsider. Her two legged foal was uneasy, and that was enough for her to contemplate chasing this young bachelor colt away. But the strange visitor had made no move towards them, and had offered no violence. Choice made she began to nudge and guide her little one back up the trail to where the rest of the herd waited. Her pale foal was shivering and needed to rest.

Dino watched as the bay mare coaxed the teen back up the trail, away from his camp. His throughs raced, had he truly found a 'wild child'? How had the teen arrived on the island? How long had he been there? And who or what caused the scars on his back?

"A mystery, and one that begs to be solved. Just who are you little pony. And do you have a home to return to?"

Tsuna and Kaasan made their way back to their tiny band. Dapple gray mare Obaasan, delicate chestnut filly Imouto, and Kaasan made up his herd. The larger herd stayed on the far side of the island, as the stallion had no desire to tangle with Kaasan over her strange two-legged foal that followed her everywhere. With Imouto now reaching two seasons, Kaasan might indulge in a heat, if she felt like it.

No one had challenged her claim on her little one in some time. And Tsuna was grateful everyday for the clever dam that had pulled him from the surf by his blood soaked clothes and adopted him. Kaasan was fierce in her protection, always able to find her odd little foal and more than willing to fight and kill to protect the foundling.

The Sky and Storm settled into the shelter of the tree lined meadow with the other two members of the herd and slept.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Dawn came too early for Dino's taste, and he warmed up an MRE, it was a module F so his morning meal was made up of biscuits, fruit jam, tea with sugar, and an instant cappuccino. Not the best fare, but serviceable. He dug through his pack and found a little more dried fruit. Hopefully his visitor would re-appear by the time he'd eaten. He could set aside the bran crackers from his lunch serving for his visitor as well.

He sipped the tea and set the water purification tablets to the side. He could use those once he found where the fresh water on the island pooled at. He picked up the sat phone and tucked it into his jacket pocket, grabbed his canteen and the now empty water jug before setting off in search of a place to collect water. He was aware he was being tracked from a distance, but he sensed no malice, and was fairly certain the wild child was following him.

He was half right. Kaasan had made her way to the far side of the island to put the stallion to use while she was in heat, so Tsuna and Imouto had decided to see what the golden stranger was up to. Baasan was napping off her morning graze, and the two trotted off to find a bit of adventure. The pair of youngsters watched as Dino stumbled his way up the trail and followed the various tracks to find the stream that fed fresh water into the small pool that lay further inland. The taller human had shed his shirt and splashed water onto his chest. The drops glittered as they rolled down the toned chest and abs. Tsuna pressed his thighs together, wondering if this is what Kaasan meant by being 'in season'

His little sister nickered softly and gave him a playful bump with her nose. Tsuna bumped her with his shoulder in return. The older human chuckled at their antics and both froze as the sound. Still he did not move towards them, instead, he filled his water vessels and dropped some tablets into them. He slid the jug into his pack and hooked the canteen to his hip before making his way back to his camp, being sure to give the duo a generous berth.

'Well he might sire a golden foal for you brother.'

'Sister! Kaasan said we are too young to foal.'

'No she said I'm too young for a foal. You are older than I am and that one is a nicely built two legged stallion. Do you want him to put a foal in your belly?'

'No! I'm... I'm not ready.'

Imouto nickered sorrowfully, 'I'm sorry. I did not mean to tease you.'

'It's okay. Lets get back to the meadow before Kaasan returns. Ahou always puts her in a bad mood even when he does give her a foal.'

'If he wasn't the strongest stallion on the island Kaasan would not bother herself with him.'

The pair shadowed the stranger until they path split off, leading them back to their meadow.

Dino was careful as he returned to his camp, shirt still tucked in his pack around the water jug. There was a convenience in finding fresh water plentiful and just a short trek from his camp. He set out the fruit on the edge of his camp, along with the bran biscuits. Hopefully he would have guests to take the snacks.

It became his routine in the coming days. He would leave a treat out for the teen, who he realized held sky flames, then go fetch his water for the day. The boy would follow him at a distance with one of the three mares he traveled with. A quiet rainy dapple gray, a sunny sassy chestnut, and the lead mare, a protective stormy Bay. Dino could feel their flames like he could feel Kelpie, Stella, and the other flame aware Cavallone horses. And the feral teen was their sky.

Dino could admit to himself at least, that he was desperate to know the teen's story. The feral sky had stopped shying away when he spoke but refused to come within an arm's reach. Dino was aware it might take quite some time to earn his trust. But he was willing to work for it.

And with his Spartan of a tutor having left for a new victim, Dino didn't have to worry about traumatizing the key further.

His men had dropped off additional supplies and a solar charger for the phone. Once able to meet in person, he explained the situation to Romario and advised he wanted to take the small band with him off the island. Logistically, tranquilizing all four and then air lifting them to a ship would be the easiest, but Dino didn't like the idea of losing the trust he'd built with the island band. They were in the process of adapting the plane to land on water near the shore or find a mist willing to craft a bridge from the shore to the bay door of the plane.

Romario had taken one look at the pictures of the teen, sighed and advised he would have a stalls readied in the empty pony stable. A few discrete inquiries had Trident Shamal waiting in the wings to provide a 'vet check' once they were back at the villa. Now all he had to do was convince the feral little sky to trust him enough to leave.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: With the Crack of a Whip

Ahou pinned his ears back as he quietly trailed the two-legged colt that he saw as responsible for the loss of the best mare on the island. It was rare to see the outsider alone. The strange, pale, often sickly creature brought nothing but trouble from the moment his lead mare brought it to the herd.

He'd tried on more than one occasion to run the thing off, but his best mare just kept it next to her side, even when she was bred! Well she was far enough away he could deal with this strange two legged colt once and for all. He walked over the soft sand and at the last minute spun around, slamming his shoulder into the pale scarred back of his nemesis.

Tsuna hit the ground with a thud, the breath rushing out of his chest. Ahou snorted and pinned his ears. The stallion bounced a bit on his front feet, and Tsuna wondered if he could roll away fast enough to avoid injury.

'Kassan will kill you for this.'

'She has a foal in her belly, she'll forget about you soon enough.'

The stalemate was broken by a hissing snap followed by a barked command of "BACK!"

Ahou snorted and minced backwards as the whip snapped again. The golden outsider was moving towards them in a steady pace, face set in stone. "Get Back," Dino snarled. He cracked the whip twice more and Ahou spun on heel and bolted down the path to his side of the island.

Tsuna stared at the fleeing stallion, shaking in fear. He hadn't been hunted since coming to the island. He'd thought he was safe here.

Dino set the whip down and knelt slowly, "He's gone now. You're safe. Easy little one. Will you let me touch you?"

Big amber eyes locked on his face and Dino let his flames swell in an attempt to soothe the teen. Tsuna shivered and slowly leaned forward into the comforting touch. A callused hand stroked over his scarred back, chest, arms and legs. Dino's voice was as gentle as his touch as he lulled the other sky.

Tsuna blew out a frantic breath and shivered as this golden being calmed him, warmth soaking into his limbs. Tsuna squeaked as he was gently lifted and carried to the campsite.

Dino set the feral teen on his bedroll near the fire. He poured warmed water over a clothe and wiped the tears from the boy's face. A tanned and callused hand gripped his shirt , while a head tucked under his chin. Dino wasn't sure how long they sat there, the smaller teen cradled against him, when a snort broke his thoughts and he glanced up to see the little filly nudging at him.

"He's okay pretty girl. He just had a bad scare. Where's your mama and nonna?"

A soft whicker drew his eyes to the edge of the camp. The bay mare and the older grey stood for a moment before the older mare walked delicately into camp and lipped at the teen's hair.

He hadn't been close enough to see if before, but if he didn't know better he'd swear the older gray mare was the one that went missing when Val died. Dino narrowed his eyes at the nearly hidden scar pattern on the older mare's hip. A scar the matched one left behind when a young mare had run a foul of a local boar and ended up spending weeks in the vet barn. Val had taken a liking to the horse and said she had the Will to survive.

It surely couldn't be the same horse. Signura d'Argentu was born the same year as 'Stella and had vanished without a trace. There was no confirmation that she'd gone flame active. There was no way this horse was his brother's adored Argentu...

He felt foolish, but spoke anyway. "Hello 'Gentu."

The old mare lowered hear head and carefully, and as she had so many years ago, gently pushed Dino back just enough to lip at his shirt collar.

Dino let the tears drip down his face as he stroked a shaking hand over the elegant grey face, "Oh Argentu, it really is you. I thought I lost you when I lost Val."

Tsuna blinked as 'Basaan nickered to the newcomer before nuzzling both of them. Once content they were both safe, she wandered over to a clear are and laid down with a tired sigh. Her rider's younger brother would see things were set right.

'Mother, what are you doing?' Kasaan asked.

'Visiting my rider's bother. He's a good match for the foundling. Now come and settle in. You too little one. The gold one will not tolerate a threat to the band. I lived in their territory before I was taken and left here. You're sire might yet live there.'

Dino smiled as the small band settled into his campsite and slowly hand fed bits of dried fruit to the pony-boy tucked tightly against him. He was concerned about how aggressive the stallion seemed to be towards the teen. He didn't want to kill the stallion but knew he would if the horse attacked his new pony again.

He pursed his lips and reached for the radio. It was early in the day yet but his island vacation was coming to an end. He needed to get the little band to the safety of the Cavallone lands.

~Romario, how soon until the plane is ready for a water landing? ~

~At least one more day to be certain things will be safe without flame interference. ~

~Plan for a pickup tomorrow at the latest, with or without flame use. The stallion on this island is a threat to my new pony.~

Several moment of silence passed before his right hand spoke, "We'll be there in the early afternoon. Alyssa is prepping the pony barn and a stall for you new addition."

Make sure the paddock and stalls across from it are prepped, Argentu is here."

He heard a shocked intake of breath, before Romario promised all would be ready to move the tiny band of the island and into the safety of the Cavallone stables.
The Cavallone Villa:

Romario eyed the modified aircraft with a critical gaze. It was a rush job, but their people were meticulous. Once certain that the plane was ready he motioned Alyssa over, "Be sure the stalls for the Quarantine bard are ready and open to the back paddock. We'll need to set the stall next to Stella as well"

The lightening lifted a brow, "That stall has been empty for a reason."

"And if the boss is right, that reason is coming home today with two other mares and the new pony."

"He's certain?"

"As certain as we can be without a DNA or Flame check."

"We'll have it ready before you get back. Any preference for stables hands?"

"We may have to play it by ear. 'Gentu was always sweet, but we don't know the temperament of the rest. Have Shamal on standby for a vet check. Boss was concerned about the scarring on the pony."

"Do we have a name for them yet?"

"Not yet. Label the stall 'Boss's Mount" for now."

Alyssa waved the Rain off and headed back to the stable at a trot. she wouldn't spread the news of Val's mare returning, not until they were certain it was her. For now, she would assign herself as the groom for the small incoming herd. She watched from her office with a faint smile as the plane took off, shielded from prying eyes with a fine layer of mist flames.

The Pony Island:

Tsuna shook himself awake with a soft grumble and smiled as 'Baasan nickered to him.

'Good morning little one.'

'Good morning Baasan.'

'You have a rough time yesterday.'

'Ahou came for me. I think he meant to kill me.'

'He won't be a problem any longer. Your gold stud was my Rider's younger brother. He is taking us home with him today.'

Tsuna shuddered and shook his head, 'I won't get on one of those floating death traps!'

'Easy little one. We do not travel on the water. He will bring us home to the Hills and Meadows a safer way. Now eat and rest.'

Dino watched as the pony, with 'Gentu's nudging consumed the biscuits and fruit he's set out.

When the plan touched down less than an hour later, Dino let out a sigh of relief. He'd caught sight of the Stallion a few times since Dawn, but the bay mare had run him off with a ferocity he'd seen only in his feral flame bands. He was rather happy she didn't view him as a threat. He jogged to the beach to greet his right hand, "Good to see you Romario."

The older man let his gaze sweep the smiling sky, not bothering to hide the check of injuries. "Boss."

A soft nicker drew the attention of the pair and Romario sucked in a breath. They grey mare ambled over to him and started to check his pockets for horse cookies, just as she had all those years ago. "Hello to you too Argentu. We have missed you."

Dino grinned like Christmas came early, "We'll bring you and your band home as soon as we get everyone loaded up. Romario, did Alyssa send the good cookies?"

'Baasan perked up at the mention of what her rider once called, 'Magic Cookies'. That would be perfect for her grand colts and her daughter for their first trip. She called to her little band and nuzzled them each in turn. 'They have a treat for each of you, and then we'll leave this place for the Hills and Meadows.'

The rain infused treats take hold gently, and the trio followed the grey mare into the hold of the plane. Dino and Romario quickly secured the filly and mares before moving to the smaller pony. Dino chuckled as the smaller teen swayed on his feet. The blond carefully guided the brunette into the padded stall and eased the teen onto a sleeping mat.

"Rest little one. When you wake up, we will be home, safe and happy."

Dino settled down next to the pallet and spent the flight speaking to his right hand and petting his new pony. He draped a soft blanket over the teen and let himself daydream a bit, he knew that he ought to search for any family his pony might have. He may do so in the future, but not right now. For now he will see his new sky pony settled and safe in his territory.

When the plane landed on the small private airstrip, Tsuna was still fast asleep, the rain flames having taken a firm hold on him. The horses followed Argentu into the trailer, still relaxed from the rain flames. Dino simply carried his pretty pony to the waiting car. The drive to the villa was quick and in short order the mares were settled into the quarantine barn while Dino headed for the Pony barn.

Tsuna roused a bit as they entered the cool, well lit barn. He curled back into his suitor's arms and felt a comforting hand stroke over his back. There were more humans here and he shuddered and rolled his eyes looking for a way out.

Dino murmured sweetly to his currently nameless pony. Alyssa shooed the other grooms out and stood back near Shamal as Dino sat on a bench to croon to the feral young man in his lap.

"Oh, that one will make a spectacular pony. A bit lean but proper care should fix any conditioning issues soon enough."
Alyssa nodded, "Full genetic screening and vaccine run. We might have to do this in stages with as skittish as the little one is. And a discrete check for missing persons reports. Someone will be missing a pony that pretty."

The light blanket fell from the teens back and the observers shared a scowl. Fighting to keep her voice even, she noted, "Be nice to know who gave them those scars... We haven't fed the sounders is a while. I think that lead sow could do with a treat or two."

Shamal nodded. "Those are old scars, you can see how they stretched with growth. I doubt they have had anyone but that band of mares since they escaped their abuser."

They watched the Cavallone Sky coax the new pony to the showering stall. The walk let him guide the teen to the digital scale near the door. Shamal noted the brunette's weight and nodded to Dino.

The Don positioned his new mount in the cross ties. Alyssa moved gracefully to his side. The pair exchanged a quick glance and then well padded cuffs were buckled around the pony's wrists and ankles. Soft cotton tethers ran to steel rings in the stall walls.

Tsuna nickered nervously as the restraints clipped in place. He shifted his weight, The ropes pulled tight as he leaned back. The callused hand was heavy on the nape of his neck as sunny sky flames washed over the nervous pony. "Easy little one, easy. You're safe. Shamal is just going to give you a quick check. You're being so very good for me."

Shamal watched as the pony calmed. Shamal moved forward slowly, gauging the pony's comfort level. He kept his voice soothing as he asked, "Can you get them to open their mouth? I'd rather not use a dental gag on such a feral pony unless I have to."

Dino pressed a finger to a tanned chin, "Can you open up for us sweetheart?"

Tsuna wasn't sure what the gold stud was saying, but the tender pressure to his chin encouraged him to open his mouth. The two-legged mare standing next to him, she smelled like the air after a lightning strike, handed the oldest male something. A black cylinder, not too large, but enough to make him nervous. He tensed, but all it did was shine light into his mouth.

In short order the light was pointed into his eyes and ears as well. They spoke to each other, seemingly ignoring him. Except that strong hand never left his neck or shoulders. The slow steady stroking let him relax as the touches continued. He tensed a a cool hand prodded carefully at his scarred back.

Shamal frowned at the depth of the scars. This was deliberate cruelty carved into another's flesh. This wasn't the result of kinky play gone wrong, or even Rick Aware Consensual Kink, this was the aftermath of torture. If he judged the fading of the scars with the estimated age of his patient correctly, he was tempted to hand the job to the Varia and let the find the filth responsible and provide a bit of karmic balance.

There wasn't much body fat to be found. Every inch of the pony was whipcord lean and tanned by years in the sun. Still the young pony was obviously a survivor. He took note of what appeared to be a scarred over bullet graze. Seeing that his patient was nearing the end of their patience, he used a bit of mist and one of his mosquitos to draw blood for a DNA screening and titer for needed vaccines.

"I'm recommending liberal use of a scar salve that I know you have tucked away in your office Alyssa. These scars can be conditioned and softened to prevent mobility issues. Argan oil can be used on their skin and hair, and be sure to apply a high SPF sunblock. Let them rest when their tired. For now, stick to a light diet and introduce more protein with legumes and small portions of well cooked eggs."

"Any restrictions?" Dino was rubbing his hand through caramel tresses, smiling as amber yes drifted half closed.

"Gentle exercise as they put weight on, no steeplechases or flat races. I would keep the stall warmer than normal, they just don't have the body condition to regulate their temperature. If you plan to have them serve as a breeding pony, they'll need a a full internal exam."

"Would you be willing to stay for a few days to complete the breeding intake as well Shamal?"

"I can take the weekend. It will take that long to finish the DNA work up and give your pony a break from being poked at by strangers."

Romario stepped forward, "If you'll come with me, I can show you to your room."

Alyssa nodded to Dino, "I'll get the salve and oil from the office if you want to try and give your feral pony a wash."

The lightening sauntered towards the back of the barn and Dino turned to the heavy eyed pony. "Well little one, let's see how you do with a warm wash up."

Tsuna watched as the hobbles were removed from his ankles, and he started warm water was sprayed over his feet, moving up his legs in slow waves. He watched as his suitor pointed something that sprayed water with gentle pressure. He was dripping wet when his possible mate steeped away, only to return with something soft looking in his hand.

"Don't kick me sweetheart. Just some soap to get you nice and clean before we oil up your scars."

Tsuna flexed his hands as he was wiped down, and shivered as Dino moved behind him to finish washing his back. He was encouraged to tip his head back and warm water rinsed his tangled hair. Once the water running down his body was clear of soap and dust, a fluffy towel made an appearance.

Dino looked up from where he was blotting water from his pony, he really needed to find a name for them, to see Alyssa had returned with a bottle of oil and a tin of their favored scar salve.

"You work on the scars, I'll work some oil in that mane and see if we can't get it untangled. Then I'll braid and you can oil them up. Be sure you get plenty on that little cocklet boss. Tender bits like that need extra care," she smirked.

"Horrible woman. Give me the salve."

Tsuna gave soft sound of pleasure as strong fingers worked a delightful smelling oil into his mane. He'd tried to groom it himself, but it was hard to untangle, and his band mates didn't have hands to help him. If not for the ties, he had no doubt he would be curled up and half asleep from the attention.

The skin of his back didn't feel as tight as it normally did. He could feel something thick being rubbed into his scars. He twitched as trails of warmed oil dripped down his chest, only to be smoothed into his skin by hands much larger than his own. Hands that trailed down his body, never becoming invasive, just soothing.

Alyssa smiled as she dug her fingers through the pony's thick mane. As much as she wanted to play with different braid styles, she decided to go with a simple Dutch braid and tie it off as the end. "Sweet little thing, aren't you? Just need someone to be good for hmm? Don't worry the Boss and I will make sure you get everything you need and deserve."

"That we will. Good ponies get treats and all the nice touches."

Tsuna found himself lead to a new stall, warm and clean. Fragrant bedding shifted under his feet, and he was tucked into a pallet with thick, soft blankets. Dino... Boss? Hand fed him tasty things that he didn't have a name for but filled his belly nicely. He whickered for his herd, and could hear 'Baasan answer back,

'We are fine, fed and bedded down for the night. We'll no doubt see you tomorrow.'